This attention to detail was carried through into the film. This is apparent, for example in the parlour scene where in shots of Marion only round picture frames are visible suggesting innocence. In shots of Norman, however, square picture frames and looming birds of prey form the background suggesting Norman’s underlying intentions. These points can easily be dismissed as insignificant details but they do invoke thought about the true nature of the film and its characters.
“Psycho” was also a landmark in terms of controversy: For example it was the first time a toilet had even been shown in a film. That’s exactly, it seems, Hitchcock’s intention. By pushing the bounds of “decency” so far he can achieve the greatest effect possible. It is partly the films reliance on being so ground breaking that causes audiences of the present day to find the film so irrelevant.
Lighting plays a large part in the film and is used to greatly aid the tension. Right down to the lighting used on the characters faces. Marion is usually bathed in light absolving any suspicion we may feel with the character. Norman’s face however, is often hidden by shadow invoking a great amount of suspicion. Hitchcock also uses shadow to hide the identity of the killer. All pretty standard as far as horror films are concerned. Though Hitchcock does do some things differently. The shower scene is an example of this. In the shower scene Marion is shown taking a shower. A shadowed figure is seen through the shower curtain. The curtain is pulled back and Marion is stabbed to death by an unknown killer. Up until this point no violence has been seen in the film. This scene is lit extremely brightly and at first creates the illusion of romance; at the time such a scene would be seen as extremely risqué. These points create an extremely ambiguous impression and instil a huge amount of suspense in the audience. A further example of good usage of lighting is the basement scene in which Marion discovers the corpse of Norman Bates’ mother. As she turns to run from the body she knocks the light bulb. This sets the shadows in motion and causes confusion as to what it is we, as the audience, are really seeing.
Hitchcock also makes clever use of camera shots and angles. Referring back to a point I made earlier in the essay I mention the parlour scene. In this scene shots of Marion are shown with round picture frames in the background. Shots of Norman show square picture frames and threatening birds of prey. Although we were introduced to Norman prior to this scene this is when we begin to learn a little about him. This means that such subliminal messaging has a great effect on our subconscious impressions of the characters.
The shower scene is another good scene to look at regarding camera angles. For example when Marion is undressing the scene has been prolonged creating suspense. When Marion enters the shower the camera focuses on her washing she is naked and vulnerable. She is preoccupied and has nowhere to escape to. A dark figure is seen through the shower curtain creating dramatic irony: Marion is not aware of the figure. Even though the murder only lasts for 45 seconds an incredible seventy separate camera angles are used. This adds a sense of speed to the proceedings. Two important shots are then shown. The first is of Marion’s lifeless eye. This shot is seen by the audience as a sinister one, as up until now they have identified with Marion and Marion seemed to be the main character. The second is of Marion’s blood running down the plug-hole. This could symbolise Marion’s life wasting away.
‘Psycho’ has extremely distinctive and memorable music, which is used to manipulate the audiences’ emotions. Violins are used in this music, which are ideal because of the range of emotions they can create. Smooth music calms the audience, frantic music panics the audience and quiet music or silence causes suspense. Hitchcock uses the absence of sound extremely well for example after the murder in the shower when all music stops and only running water can be heard. In this instance the lack of sound allows the audience to reflect and reassess it’s opinions.
As I have shown you Hitchcock utilises a plethora of techniques to create tension and suspense. Some of these techniques are complex and purely subliminal, these techniques are particular to this film and not at all transferable. Other more overt but equally* less complex techniques such as his use of shadow are more revolutionary because they have been transferred and applied to the entire horror genre. It is because these techniques have been used and evolved upon so much that audiences of today don’t always experience the suspense and tension of audiences of the time. It seems that although it is hard for audiences of the current day to understand, it was Hitchcock’s use of innovation and revolution that truly caused the most tension and suspense.
